Labels and method of making same

ABSTRACT

A label having at least one resealable brochure and suitable for being attached to a mounting surface. The label includes a base planar member including oppositely disposed first and second surfaces and a first lateral edge. The first surface is suitable for coupling the base member to the mounting surface. At least one sheet forms the brochure and at least partially overlies the base member. At least one planar overlying member is coupled to the second surface of the base member and the at least one brochure sheet. A portion of the at least one brochure sheet and overlying member project beyond the first lateral edge of the base member such that when the label is attached to the mounting surface the at least one overlying member may be selectively uncoupled and recoupled to the mounting surface.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of copending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/898,871, filed Jul. 3, 2001, entitled “LABELSAND METHOD OF MAKING SAME”, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/232,121, filed Jan. 15, 1999, and entitled“LABELS AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME”, which is a divisional application ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/662,842, filed Jun. 12, 1996, whichwas a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.08/489,611, filed Jun. 12, 1995.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to labels and, more particularly, to pressuresensitive labels of the kinds which may adhesively be secured tosubstrates, such as bottles or other containers, and which provide anintegral brochure. In another of its aspects, this invention relates toa method of making such labels. In general, this invention relates to animproved label integrated with a printed brochure and a method of makingsuch a label and an assembly of such labels carried on a flexible liner.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

A label having at least one resealable brochure and suitable for beingattached to a mounting surface, the label including: a base planarmember including oppositely disposed first and second surfaces and afirst lateral edge, the first surface being suitable for coupling thebase member to the mounting surface; at least one brochure sheet atleast partially overlying the base member; and, at least one planaroverlying member coupled to the second surface of the base member andthe at least one brochure sheet; wherein, a portion of the at least onebrochure sheet and overlying member project beyond the first lateraledge of the base member such that when the label is attached to themounting surface the at least one overlying member may be selectivelyuncoupled and recoupled to the mounting surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

There are seen in the drawings forms of the invention which arepresently preferred (and which constitute the best mode contemplated forcarrying the invention into effect), but it should be understood thatthe invention is not limited to the precise arrangements andinstrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1 is a pictorial view, in perspective, of a label assembly inaccordance with the invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 2-2 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a form of label in accordance withthe invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of another form of label in accordancewith the invention.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view, in cross-section, of an exemplary label inaccordance with the invention, applied to a substrate in the form of aflat-sided container with small radius corners.

FIG. 5 a is a top plan view similar to FIG. 5, also in cross-section, ofanother exemplary label in accordance with the invention, applied to asubstrate in the form of a container of round cross-section.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a brochure blank for use in the invention.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a brochure blank for use in an alternative formof the invention.

FIG. 8 depicts a portion of a base label web as used in the invention.

FIG. 9 depicts a base label web, die cut prior to stripping waste, toprovide intermediate blanks for base labels in accordance with theinvention.

FIG. 9 a depicts an alternative form of base label web.

FIG. 10 is a plan view illustrating a brochure blank assembly associatedwith a base label web in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 10, illustrating the step of diecutting to produce finished labels.

FIG. 12 is a detail view of a portion of a label in accordance with theinvention.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of yet another form of label inaccordance with the invention.

FIG. 14 is a pictorial view, in perspective, of another form of thelabel assembly in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 15-15 in FIG. 14of a label of this invention in a closed position.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 15-15 in FIG. 14of a label of this invention in an open position.

FIG. 17 is a detail view of a portion of the label of FIG. 14.

FIG. 18 is a plan view of a brochure blank for use with the label ofFIG. 14.

FIG. 19 depicts a base label web, die cut prior to stripping waste, toprovide intermediate blanks for base labels in accordance with theinvention.

FIG. 20 is a plan view illustrating the brochure blank assemblyassociated with the base label web in accordance with the label of FIG.14.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The entire disclosures of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/898,871,filed Jul. 3, 2001, and entitled “LABELS AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME”,U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/232,121, filed Jan. 15, 1999, andentitled “LABELS AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME”, U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 08/662,842, filed Jun. 12, 1996, and U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 08/489,611, filed Jun. 12, 1995, are hereby incorporated byreference as if being set forth in their respective entireties herein.

Labels which incorporate brochures or booklets have heretofore beenproposed. Such labels, sometimes called “brochure labels,” are usefulfor applications in which (1) it is expedient or necessary to providewith a packaged product detailed directions for usage; (2) regulatoryrequirements, as in the case of pharmaceuticals, make it necessary toprovide with the product a great deal of explanatory information; and(3) it is desired to provide promotional or game materials with theproduct. Other applications will occur to those skilled in the art.

It is particularly desirable, from both practical and aesthetic pointsof view, that a brochure label be made “resealable,” that is, soconstructed and arranged that opening or use of the brochure associatedwith the label does not render impossible resealing of the brochure. Aresealable brochure label may be restored to its initial appearance andcondition after having been opened. It is also highly desirable that abrochure label be capable of neatly wrapping around the sharp or smallradius comers of a square container. In such an application, thebrochure must often be made to wrap around three or four corners, eachof which provides a stress point for the brochure and an opportunity forhighly undesirable local bunching or buckling. The present inventionprovides for a smooth and highly pleasing wrap.

Another desirable attribute in a brochure label is ease of opening andreseal-ability. The present invention provides a simple and effectivetab to facilitate opening, as well as capability of repeated resealing.

In some applications, it is necessary or desirable that the graphics andother aesthetic aspects of the brochure be integrated with those of theproducts labeled, so as to provide a uniform appearance and appeal. Inprior art constructions, the label design has often been different fromthe brochure, imparting to the entire product the appearance of an“afterthought” rather than a well-integrated whole. In accordance withthe present invention, the printing of the brochure component of abrochure label can be coordinated with that of the base label, usingmatched or coordinated materials or printing techniques, so that thebase label and brochure provide the appearance of a unitary piece.

Finally, in some instances it is desirable that one or more leaves orpages of the brochure be made removable, or that provision be made forremove-ability of the entire brochure at the user's option. As isexplained below, suitable structural features may be provided within thepurview of the present invention to achieve these desirable ends.

Labels in accordance with the present invention may be delivered tousers in roll form and applied to packages in the same manner, using thesame equipment, and at satisfactory production speeds (generally inexcess of 200 bottles per minute) as standard pressure sensitive labels.

Accordingly, and in general, the present invention provides an adhesivelabel assembly which includes an integral brochure. The assemblycomprises a pressure sensitive base label, adhesively and releasablysupported by a flexible liner. A brochure is associated with the baselabel and is made up of a folded sheet providing panels, or pages, ofthe brochure. The brochure is positioned to overlie at least a portionof the base label, and the top panel of the brochure is made to projectlaterally beyond a lateral edge of the base label. The projectingportion of the top panel may provide a tab to facilitate opening of thebrochure. A self-adhesive transparent overlayer is provided over theupper surface of the base label and also the top panel of the brochure.The overlayer is made to extend beyond an edge of the top panel, tofacilitate sealing and resealing by adhesion of the overlayer to thecontainer or other substrate to which the base label is applied or to aremote end portion of the base label. Alternatively, sealing andresealing of the overlayer may be accomplished by adhering the extendedportion of the overlayer to a portion of the base label which extendsbeyond a bottom panel of the brochure. Regardless of the specificembodiment of the invention, the top panel may also provide a tab,which, in association with the projecting portion of the overlayer,provides both a means for sealing the brochure and a means for easilygripping the brochure to facilitate opening.

Optionally, perforations may be provided on one or more panels of thebrochure, to facilitate ready removal of the page provided by thatpanel. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the removed pagemay be or include a coupon, a premium, or a pre-printed request foradditional information.

Optionally and alternatively, a line of perforations may be provided inthe base label and overlayer, so that the consumer may remove thebooklet without destroying the copy contained on the base label beneathit.

In still another of its aspects, the invention provides a method ofmaking an adhesive label assembly of the kind having an integralbrochure. The method comprises steps of: providing a pressure sensitivebase label web comprising a base label sheet and a flexible linerreleasably secured to the base label sheet; die cutting through the baselabel sheet but not the liner to form a blank for at least one andpreferably two or more base labels; and stripping from the liner thematerial of the base label sheet other than the blank. Next, a brochureblank assembly, printed to provide multiple brochures, is mated to thebase label web and so positioned that a top panel of the assemblyprojects laterally beyond what will be the lateral edge of the baselabel. Alternatively, at least a portion of the base label also extendsbeyond a bottom panel of the brochure. Next, there is applied over theliner, brochure blank assembly and base label an overlayer ofself-adhesive material, the self-adhesive material serving to secure thebrochure blank assembly to the base label blank and also adhering to theliner adjacent to the tab portion. Alternatively, where the base labelextends beyond the bottom panel of the brochure, the overlayerself-adhesive material serves to secure the brochure blank assembly tothe base label and also adhere to the extended portion of the baselabel.

Optionally, brochure blank assembly may be affixed to the base label bya suitable adhesive or by other affixation means. Die cutting throughthe overlayer and stripping of the waste yields the desired labelassembly, with the individual labels releasably secured to the flexibleliner.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, wherein like reference numeralsindicate like elements, there is seen in FIG. 1 a label assemblydesignated generally by the reference numeral 10. The label assembly 10includes plural individual labels 12, disposed on a flexible liner 14.It should be understood that the thicknesses of the liner 14 and labels12, as well as the various components which are laminated to make up thelabel 12, are exaggerated for clarity.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an individual label 12 will be described indetail. The label 12 includes a base label 16, a brochure 18 and atransparent overlayer 20. Seen in FIG. 2 is an adhesive layer 22 bywhich the overlayer 20 is secured to the base label and the brochure 18(and which, in turn, secures the brochure 18 to the base label 16), andan adhesive layer 24 which releasably secures the base label 16 to theliner 14.

The brochure 18 in FIGS. 1 and 2 is a leaflet which has two leaves 26and 28, separated by a fold line 30. The top leaf 26, it will be seen,is wider than the bottom leaf 28, and thus extends further from the foldline 30 than does the bottom leaf 28. A portion of the top leaf 26extends beyond the lateral edge 31 of the base label 16. As is perhapsbest seen in FIG. 1 (and also in FIG. 12), a portion of the top leaf 26is shaped to provide a tab 32, the purpose of which will be describedshortly. As is also apparent in FIG. 1, a portion 34 of the overlayer 20projects beyond a lateral edge 36 of the top leaf 26 in the vicinity ofthe tab 32, and is thus adhesively joined directly to the liner 14.

Referring now to FIG. 5, the manner in which a label such as the label12 may be affixed to a substrate in the form of a container 38 is seen.In the example shown in FIG. 5, the container 38 is a round corneredsquare container. The label 12 wraps completely around the circumferenceof the container 38, without any bunching or buckling of the brochure 18at the corners. This desirable result is achieved because, as describedabove, the top leaf 26 of the brochure 18 and the portion 34 of theoverlayer 20 extend beyond the lateral edge 31 of the base label 16. Insuch an arrangement, the top leaf 26, with its associated overlayer 20can be drawn tightly and smoothly during application of the label 12 tothe container 38, thus enabling the adhesive 22 of the portion 34 toself-adhere (in the illustrated example) to a terminal portion 13 of thelabel 12. In other applications, such as the one shown in FIG. 5 a (inwhich elements corresponding to those already described are designatedby like, primed (′), reference numerals), the adhesive 22′ of a portion34′ may adhere directly to a container 38′.

The tab 32 facilitates opening of the brochure, because it is interposedbetween the adhesive 22, 22′ and, as the case may be, the terminalportion 13 of the label 12 or the container 38′. The tab 32 thusprovides a convenient “handle” and an aid to opening of the brochure. Onthe other hand, the adhesive 22, 22′ on the portions 34, 34′ facilitatesrepeated resealing of the brochure as the contents of the containers 38,38′ are used.

It should be understood that the embodiments seen in FIGS. 5 and 5 a areillustrative, and that a label applied as shown in FIG. 5 may be used toadvantage on a round or otherwise shaped container or substrate, such asthe round container 38 shown in FIG. 5 a. Similarly, a label may beapplied as shown in FIG. 5 a to a square or rectangular container, suchas the container 38 of FIG. 5.

The stock from which the base labels 16 are made is commerciallyavailable and familiar to those skilled in the art. It generallycomprises a layer of paper, peelably joined by pressure sensitiveadhesive to a liner of flexible plastic polymeric film.

The material for the overlayer 20 is also commercially available, andcomprises a flexible clear plastic polymeric film, coated on one facewith a clear pressure sensitive adhesive (which provides the adhesive22, 22′). The top surface of the overlayer 20 may be treated in a knownmanner (as by having on it a release agent) to facilitate release and toavoid co-adhesion failure.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 6 through 11, a method of making anadhesive label assembly in accordance with the invention will bedescribed.

In general, the method involves the following steps, each of which willbe described in somewhat greater detail below: A brochure blank assembly40 is created by printing, cutting and folding. The brochure blankassembly is prepared in full web width. A base label is printed, also infull web width. Next, the base label is die cut from a base label web 42and, excess is stripped to base label blanks, each blank ultimatelyproviding, in the presently preferred form of the method, two baselabels. Next, the brochure blank assembly 40 is brought together withthe die cut and stripped base label web, and a pressure sensitiveoverlayer 20 is applied over the exposed liner 14, the base label andbrochure blank assembly, joining in the process the base label andbrochure. No glue is required to assemble the base label and brochure,although glue may optionally be used in some embodiments. Finally, theassembled base label, brochure and overlayer are die cut to the finaloutline of the label, and waste is stripped to yield the final labelassembly.

Referring now to FIG. 6, the brochure blank assembly 40 may be createdas follows: The brochure is printed by any suitable process, in thepresently preferred process by sheet-fed offset printing in full webwidth (typically about twelve inches). Each sheet may contain multiplerepetitions width wise. One presently preferred form of the processprints four wide. The portions of the blank assembly 40 which, withfurther trimming, will ultimately form the above-mentioned tabs 32, arepreferably die cut, although other techniques may occur to those skilledin the art. The sheet is then trimmed to size and folded as desired, asat fold line 30 in FIG. 6.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a base label web, designated generally by thereference numeral 42, a portion of which is seen in the Figure, isprovided. The base label web is comprised of a base label sheet 44, ofpaper or other suitable material and liner 14 releasably adhered to thebase label sheet 42. The base label web 42 has respective lower 46 andupper 48 faces, and has on its lower face a continuous layer 24 ofadhesive which provides the above-mentioned adhesive layer 24 in thefinished product. Printed matter suitable to the intended finishedproduct may be applied to the upper face 48 of the base label sheet 44by any suitable printing process. Suitable eye and machine-readablepositioning, “eye” and registration marks “M” may also be printed on thebase label sheet 44, to facilitate joining of the brochure blankassembly 40 with the base label web 42 (as described below) and otherautomated process steps. As is apparent in FIG. 8, printing of the baselabel sheet 44 is preferably done in full web width, providing multiplerepetitions across the width of the web. The illustrated exampleprovides four repetitions designated in the Figure as 50 a-d.

FIGS. 9 and 9 a depict alternative forms of the base label web 42 afterdie cutting through the base label sheet 44 (but not the liner 14) toform base label blanks 52. In FIG. 9, the die cutting operation providestwo base label blanks 52, the width of each blank 52 enabling it toprovide a base label 16 (FIG. 1) for two labels 12. In the alternativearrangement shown in FIG. 9 a, a single base label blank 52′ isprovided, of a width enabling it to provide a base label 16 for fourlabels 12. Other equivalent arrangements will occur to those skilled inthe art. After die cutting, waste material “W” around the base labelblanks may be stripped from the base label web 42.

Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 11, the step of joining the brochure blankassembly 40 with the base label web 42 is illustrated. As is best seenin FIG. 10, the brochure blank assembly 40 is brought into juxtapositionwith the base label web 42 in such a way that the fold 30 extendstransversely with respect to the base label sheet 44. It will berecognized that this operation may be automated in ways familiar tothose skilled in the art, drawing brochure blank assemblies 40, forexample, from a hopper (not seen) and synchronizing the application ofbrochure blank assemblies 40 to a moving base label web 42. Folding ofthe brochure blank 40 is done in such a way as to provide an assemblyhaving a top panel 54, which ultimately forms the above-mentioned topleaves 26 of the brochures 18, and a bottom panel 56, which ultimatelyforms the bottom leaves 28 of the brochure 18. Associated with the toppanel 54 are projections 58 which, after further cutting describedbelow, form the tabs 32 associated with the top leaves 26. The top panel54, it should be understood, extends from the fold line 30 a distancegreater than the width of the bottom panel 56, so that when the brochureblank assembly 40 is positioned with respect to the base label web 42,the panel 54 projects beyond a lateral edge 60 of what will become thebase label 16.

A continuous transparent overlayer 20 is next applied, by conventionallaminating techniques, over the joined brochure blank assembly 40 andbase label web 42, covering and adhering to the portions of the baselabel blanks 52 not covered by the brochure blank assembly 40, to thetop panel 54 of the brochure blank 40, and to the remainder of the baselabel web 42.

Referring now to FIG. 11, the final die cutting step will now bedescribed. In this step, the individual labels 12 are cut to their finalexternal dimensions by cutting through the overlayer 20, the brochureblank assembly 40 and the base label blanks 52, but not the liner 14.This die cutting step establishes the final outline of the tabs 32 aswell. Stripping from the liner 14 of the excess material (i.e., materialoutside the outline of the label as defined by the die) yields the labelassembly 10 depicted in FIG. 1.

The overlayer 20 may also be perforated, as at 62 in FIG. 11, adjacentto the fold line 30 of the brochure blank assembly 40. Such aperforation facilitates selective ready removal of the entire brochure18 from a label 12, by grasping of the brochure and tearing of theoverlayer 20 along the perforation 62. The perforation 62 may be made aspart of the final die cutting step described above, by die cuttingthrough the overlayer 20.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate particular features of various forms of labelsin accordance with the invention. In FIG. 3, there is shown in dottedline the manner in which one of the leaves of the brochure may beremoved, for use as a return coupon or a source of information. For thispurpose, a line of perforations 63 may be provided across the leaf 28 ina direction transverse to the leaf, to facilitate removal of the leaf.The perforation 63 may be made during printing or die cutting of thebrochure blank assembly from which the brochure 18 is made.

FIGS. 4 and 7 illustrate aspects of an alternative form of theinvention, which provides a potential for eight pages of text within abrochure made up of four leaves. In this embodiment a brochure blank 64,as seen in FIG. 7, is so folded as to provide respective panels 66, 68,70 and 72. The panels 70 and 72, it will be understood, may be foldedbehind the panels 66 and 68, and the thus-folded blank 64 thereafterused in the manner described above in connection with the brochure blankassembly 40. Final die cutting in the manner described above yields fromthe panels 66-72 a total of 4 leaves.

It will be appreciated that in folding the brochure blank 64, a line ofglue 74 may be applied to the blank 64, as illustrated in FIG. 7, tomaintain the leaves provided by the panels 70 and 72 in positionrelative to the other panels after the final die cutting step. The glue74 may be applied in a conventional manner before the folding step. Asis apparent from FIG. 4, with this embodiment, one pair of leaves may,if desired, be extracted from the brochure as a return coupon orinformational piece.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that although theabove-described embodiments of the brochure are “book-like” in the sensethat they have leaves joined at a spine (defined by a fold line), it iswithin the purview of the invention to provide a brochure whose panelsare joined by spaced parallel fold lines. Such an embodiment of theinvention is seen in FIG. 13 and designated generally by referencenumeral 76.

FIGS. 14 through 20 depict yet another embodiment of this invention.Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, label 12 comprises base label 16, brochure18 and overlayer 20. Brochure 18 may comprise any number of panels asexemplified by the seven panel construction depicted in FIGS. 14, 15, 16and 17. Seen in FIG. 15 is adhesive layer 22 by which overlayer 20 issecured to top leaf 26 of brochure 18 and base label 16, an adhesivelayer 80 which secures bottom leaf 28 of brochure 18 to base label 16,and adhesive layer 24 which releasably secures base label 16 to liner14.

Although brochure 18 in FIGS. 14, 15, 16, and 17 is a leaflet which isformed or folded to provide seven printed surfaces or “panels,” it willbe apparent to those skilled in the art that label 12 may accommodatenumerous configurations of brochure 18. In the embodiment of FIGS. 14,15, 16 and 17, fold line 30 separates leaves 26 and 28. Fold line 30also forms an area in which the additional panels of brochure 18 may befolded (for example along fold lines 30′ and 30″ as shown in FIGS. 15and 16) and inserted between leaves 26 and 28 when label 12 is in theclosed position.

Top leaf 26 is wider than bottom leaf 28, and thus extends further fromfold line 30 than does bottom leaf 28. Additionally, a portion of topleaf 26 designated as area 32 in FIGS. 14, 15 and 17 extend beyondlateral edge 31 of base label 16 shown in FIG. 14.

As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, label 12 as depicted inFIGS. 14, 15, 16 and 17 may be affixed to containers with variouscross-sections including, but not limited to, containers 38 shown inFIGS. 5 and 5 a. Generally, label 12 may take numerous shapes and may beadhered to the entire surface area of container 38, such as container 38shown in FIG. 5 a. For example, label 12 of FIG. 14 could be adhered toany one of the four sides of container 38 shown in FIG. 5.Alternatively, label 12 could be adhered to any two sides and any cornerof container 38.

Tab 32 of label 12 depicted in FIGS. 14, 15, and 17 (shown with a cornerturned upward in order to demonstrate the flexibility of tab 32)facilitates the opening of the brochure because it is interposed betweenleaf 26 of brochure 18 and container 38, and further, because of notchedopening 82 in base label 16. When applied to container 38, relief notch82 creates a space between leaf 26 and the substrate (such as container38) to which label 12 is affixed. Tab 32 thus provides a convenient“handle” and an aid to gaining access to brochure 18. On the other hand,as best shown in FIG. 17, adhesive 22 present on portion 34 of overlayer20 facilitates repeated unsealing and resealing of brochure 18 ascontainer 38 is used.

The materials used in the construction of this embodiment of theinvention depicted in FIGS. 14, 15, 16 and 17 may be the same as used inthe construction of other embodiments of this invention. In addition,adhesive 80 may be any material suitable for adhering brochure 18 tobase label 16 and preferably is a cold glue.

Referring now to FIGS. 14 and 18 through 20, a method of making anadhesive label assembly in accordance with the instant embodiment oflabel 12 will be described.

In general, the method involves the following steps, each of which willbe described in greater detail below: brochure blank assembly 40 iscreated by printing, cutting and folding. Brochure blank assembly 40 isprepared in full web width. Base label 16 is printed, also in full webwidth. Next, base label 16 is die cut from base label web 42 (which, inpart, forms relief notch 82) and excess waste (depicted in theaccompanying figures as “W”) is stripped from base label blanks 52, eachblank ultimately providing, in the presently preferred form of themethod, three base labels 16. Next, brochure blank assembly 40 isaffixed to base label blank 52 by applying adhesive 80 to base labelblank 52 and joining brochure blank assembly 40 to adhesive 80. Althoughin this embodiment adhesive 80 is generally necessary if brochure 18 isto remain affixed to base label 16, it is not necessary to use adhesive80 if brochure 18 is to be completely removed from label 12. Overlayer20 is then applied over exposed liner 14, base label blank 52, andbrochure blank assembly 40. Finally, base label blank 52, brochureassembly 40 and overlayer 20 are die cut to final outline 86 of label12, and waste “W” is stripped to yield the final label assembly.

Referring now to FIG. 18, brochure blank assembly 40 may be created asfollows: brochure blanks are printed by any suitable process. In thepresently preferred process, brochure blank 40 is printed by sheet-fedoffset printing in full sheets (typically about twenty-four inches wide)and which are cut in half to form a full web width (typically aboutapproximately twelve inches). Each full web width may contain multiplerepetitions of printed matter. One presently preferred form of theprocess prints on each full web width three brochures 18. Optionally,brochures may be printed on one or both sides of brochure blank assembly40. The portions of brochure blank assembly 40 which, with furthertrimming, will ultimately form tabs 32 of the embodiment of FIGS. 14,15, 16 and 17, are preferably die cut, although other techniques mayoccur to those skilled in the art. The full web width is then trimmed tosize and folded as desired, such as at fold lines 30, 30′ and 30″depicted in FIG. 18.

Turning now to FIG. 19, base label web 42 of this embodiment ispreferably printed as disclosed above except that three rather than fourrepetitions are preferably printed across base label web 24, althoughother repetitions are possible.

FIG. 19 depicts a form of base label web 42 after die cutting throughbase label sheet 44 (but not liner 14) to form three attached base labelblanks 52. The die cutting operation of FIG. 19 provides three attachedbase label blanks 52, which blanks 52 are to be separated in a laterstep in the process. The width of each blank 52 enables it to provide abase label 16 for three labels 12. Other equivalent arrangements willoccur in those skilled in the art. After die cutting, the waste material“W” around base label blanks 52 may be stripped from base label web 42.

Referring now to FIG. 20, the step of joining the brochure blankassembly 40 with base label web 42 is illustrated. First, adhesive 80 isapplied to a section of each label blank 52 at which section brochureblank assembly 40 will be applied to label blank 52. Adhesive 80 may beapplied by any means shown in the art but preferably adhesive 80 will beapplied to base label blanks 52 in a continuous area approximately thesize and shape of brochure blank assembly 40. Alternatively, adhesive 80may be applied to the underside of brochure leaf 28.

After application of adhesive 80, brochure blank assembly 40 is broughtinto juxtaposition with base label web 42 in such a way that fold 30extends transversely with respect to base label sheet 44. It will berecognized that this operation may be automated in ways described abovewith respect to the embodiment of the invention described herein.Folding of brochure label 40 is done in such a way as to provide anassembly having a top panel 54, which ultimately forms theabove-mentioned top leaves 26 of brochures 18, and bottom panels 56 (notshown in FIG. 20), which ultimately forms bottom leaves 28 of brochure18. Associated with top panel 54 are projections 58 which, after furthercutting described below, form tabs 32 associated with top leaves 26. Toppanel 54, it should be understood, extends from fold line 30 a distancegreater than the width of bottom panel 56, so that when brochure blankassembly 40 is positioned with respect to base label web 42, panel 54projects beyond lateral edge 60 of what is fold 30′ such that top panel54 may contact at least a portion of label blank 52.

A continuous transparent overlayer 20 is next applied, by conventionallaminating techniques, over joined brochure blank assembly 40 and baselabel web 42, covering and adhering to the portions of base label blanks52 not covered by brochure blank assembly 40, to top panel 54 ofbrochure blank 40, and the remainder of the base label web 42.

The final die cutting step is substantially as described with respect toother embodiments of this invention. In this step, individual labels 12are cut to the final external dimensions. This die cutting stepestablishes a final label outline 86 of label 12 (including tab 32) asdepicted in FIG. 20. Stripping from liner 14 of excess material (i.e.,material outside final label outline 86) yields label assembly 10depicted in FIG. 14.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential attributes. Accordingly,reference should be made to the appended claims rather than theforegoing specification as indicating the scope of the invention.

1. A label having at least one resealable brochure and suitable forbeing attached to a mounting surface, said label comprising: anon-adhesive base planar member including oppositely disposed first andsecond surfaces and a first lateral edge, said first surface beingsuitable for coupling said base member to said mounting surface; atleast one brochure sheet at least partially overlying said base member;and, at least one planar overlying member coupled to said second surfaceof said base member and said at least one brochure sheet; a flexiblefold, formed by said base planar member and said at least one planaroverlying member, having therein at least one geometric region whencoupled to said mounting surface; and wherein, a portion of said atleast one brochure sheet and overlying member project beyond said firstlateral edge of said base member such that when said label is attachedto said mounting surface said at least one overlying member may beselectively uncoupled and recoupled to said mounting surface.
 2. Thelabel of claim 1, wherein said portion of said at least one sheet andoverlying member projecting beyond said lateral edge of said base memberat least partially form at least one tab for facilitating said unsealingand resealing of said at least one sheet.
 3. The label of claim 1,wherein said at least one brochure sheet comprises at least oneremovable sheet.
 4. The label of claim 1, wherein said base member isadhesively coupled to said mounting surface.
 5. The label of claim 1,wherein said base member is a label.
 6. The label of claim 1, whereinsaid brochure comprises one or more at least partially superimposedpanels.
 7. The label of claim 6, wherein at least one of said panels isremovable.
 8. The label of claim 6, further comprising at least one foldline in said at least one brochure sheet, said at least one fold line atleast partially defining said panels.
 9. The label of claim 1, whereinsaid base member further comprises at least a second lateral edge suchthat when said second surface of said base label is secured to saidmounting surface, said portion of said at least one brochure sheet andoverlying member that project beyond said first lateral edge of saidbase member at least partially overlap said second lateral edge.
 10. Thelabel of claim 9, wherein when said second surface of said base label issecured to said mounting surface, said portion of said at least onebrochure sheet and overlying member that project beyond said firstlateral edge are adhesively coupled to said overlying layer.
 11. Thelabel of claim 9, wherein when said second surface of said base label issecured to said mounting surface, said portion of said at least onebrochure sheet and overlying member that project beyond said firstlateral edge are adhesively coupled to said mounting surface.
 12. Thelabel of claim 1, wherein said overlying member comprises a film. 13.The label of claim 1, wherein said film is a clear plastic polymericfilm and said base member comprises a paper sheet.
 14. The label ofclaim 1, wherein said base member comprises at least one relief notch.15. A label assembly comprising: a liner, and, at least one labelincluding a resealable brochure and being suitable for attachment to amounting surface, each said at least one label being releasably securedto said liner and comprising: a planar, non-adhesive base memberincluding oppositely disposed first and second surfaces and a lateraledge, said first surface having at least one adhesive property couplingsaid base member to said liner and being suitable for coupling said basemember to said mounting surface when released from said liner; at leastone brochure sheet being folded transversely with respect to said basemember so as to form a plurality of at least partially superimposedpanels at least partially overlying said base member; and, at least oneplanar overlying member adhesively coupled to said second surface ofsaid base member and securing said at least one sheet to said basemember; a flexible fold, formed by said base planar member and said atleast one planar overlying member, having therein at least oneadjustable region when coupled to said mounting surface; and wherein aportion of said at least one sheet and overlying member project beyondsaid lateral edge of said base member such that when said label isattached to said mounting surface said at least one overlying member maybe selectively uncoupled and recoupled to said mounting surface so as tounseal and reseal said brochure.
 16. The label assembly of claim 15,wherein at least a portion of said overlying member is adhesivelycoupled to said liner.
 17. The label assembly of claim 15, wherein saidliner is flexible.
 18. The label assembly of claim 15, wherein saidportion of said at least one sheet and overlying member projectingbeyond said lateral edge of said base member at least partially form atleast one tab for facilitating said unsealing and resealing of saidbrochure.
 19. The label assembly of claim 15, wherein said at least onesheet comprises at least one removable sheet.
 20. The label assembly ofclaim 15, wherein said base member comprises another lateral edge suchthat when said second surface of said base label is secured to saidmounting surface, said portion of said at least one sheet and overlyingmember that project beyond said lateral edge of said base member overlapsaid other lateral edge.
 21. The label assembly of claim 15, whereinsaid base member comprises at least one relief notch.
 22. The label ofclaim 1, wherein said at least one brochure sheet is in booklet form.23. The label of claim 3, wherein at least one removable sheet furthercomprises perforations in a line transverse to said at least onebrochure sheet to facilitate removal of said at least one removablesheet.
 24. A label assembly comprising: a liner, and, at least one labelincluding a resealable brochure and being suitable for attachment to amounting surface, each said at least one label being releasably securedto said liner and comprising: a planar, non-adhesive base memberincluding oppositely disposed first and second surfaces and a lateraledge, said first surface having at least one adhesive property couplingsaid base member to said liner and being suitable for coupling said basemember to said mounting surface when released from said liner; at leastone brochure sheet having a lateral edge is in booklet form and at leastpartially overlying said base member; and, at least one planar overlyingmember adhesively coupled to said second surface of said base member andsecuring said at least one sheet to said base member; wherein, said baseplanar member and said at least one planar overlying member at leastpartially form a gapped fold region when coupled to said mountingsurface; and wherein said at least one brochure sheet is affixedsubstantially adjacent to said gapped fold region by said lateral edgeof said at least one brochure sheet; and wherein a portion of said atleast one sheet and overlying member project beyond said lateral edge ofsaid base member such that when said label is attached to said mountingsurface said at least one overlying member is suitable for beingselectively uncoupled and recoupled to said mounting surface so as tounseal and reseal said brochure.
 25. The label assembly of claim 24,wherein at least a portion of said overlying member is adhesivelycoupled to said liner.
 26. The label assembly of claim 24, wherein saidliner is flexible.
 27. The label assembly of claim 24, wherein saidportion of said at least one sheet and overlying member projectingbeyond said lateral edge of said base member at least partially form atleast one tab for facilitating said unsealing and resealing of saidbrochure.
 28. The label assembly of claim 24, wherein said at least onesheet comprises at least one removable sheet.
 29. The label assembly ofclaim 24, wherein said base member comprises another lateral edge suchthat when said second surface of said base label is secured to saidmounting surface, said portion of said at least one sheet and overlyingmember that project beyond said lateral edge of said base member overlapsaid other lateral edge.
 30. The label assembly of claim 24, whereinsaid base member comprises at least one relief notch.
 31. The labelassembly of claim 24, wherein at least one removable sheet furthercomprises perforations in a line transverse to said at least onebrochure sheet to facilitate removal of said at least one removablesheet.
 32. The label assembly of claim 15, wherein at least oneremovable sheet further comprises perforations in a line transverse tosaid at least one brochure sheet to facilitate removal of said at leastone removable sheet.